Paper 1 Essay: Overview (Cambridge (CIE) AS English General Paper): Revision Note

The CIE AS English General Paper is a skills-based qualification. It is designed to encourage you to think critically about modern issues, develop your skills in writing and reading and strengthen your English communication skills. These are skills that you can transfer to most other academic fields and in the professional world.

The following revision note provides an overview of Paper 1 (essay).

What is Paper 1 (essay) about?

Paper 1 is the essay paper. You will be given a list of ten essay questions on modern social issues, and you have to choose one on which to respond.

The range of issues that these questions will be based on are organised into three broad topic areas:

• Economic, historical, moral, political and social

• Science, including its history, philosophy, ethics, general principles and applications; environmental issues; technology; mathematics

• Literature, language, the arts, crafts, and the media

It is important to remember that this is not a test of knowledge. You are not expected to learn about every topic, nor will you cover every topic in lessons. Instead, you are assessed on how you use your knowledge about contemporary issues to develop an argument or discussion.

How is Paper 1 (essay) assessed?

• 1 hour 15 minutes (including planning time)

• 1 essay of roughly 600-700 words

• 30 marks

• 50% of the AS level

• No source materials

The language and tone of your essay response should be suitable for use in employment or further study. 

You are not allowed to use a dictionary in the exam.

What are the Paper 1 (essay) Assessment Objectives?

Assessment Objectives define the skills you are expected to demonstrate in your responses in the exam. There are three Assessment Objectives (AOs) in the CIE AS English General Paper, and all three are assessed in both papers.

What the examiner is looking for in Paper 1 (essay)

CIE examiners make the following recommendations:

• Choose your question carefully:

  • Make sure you have enough to write about

  • You should write between 600 and 700 words

• Ensure you make a plan:

  • This will give your essay a clear structure

• Focus your response on the specific wording of the question:

  • This is not a test of your knowledge about the topic; it is a test of your ability to construct a clear and focused argument

  • Weaker responses just cover everything known about the subject, rather than giving an opinion that answers the question

  • Ensure your introduction is clearly focused on the issues posed in the question

  • Analyse and evaluate each point you make

  • Aim to make a range of points, with some counter argument where appropriate

  • Include clear examples to support your points

  • Avoid repetition of the same idea or argument

• Use a formal tone and vocabulary:

  • You are rewarded for your use of ambitious vocabulary, but only where this is accurate and appropriate

  • Avoid using informal or colloquial language, as these are not appropriate for an academic essay

  • Likewise, avoid using contractions (“I do not” rather than “I don’t”)

• Grammar, spelling and punctuation matter:

  • Examiners often point out frequently seen issues with verb and tense agreement, articles and prepositions, run on sentences and the incorrect use of homophones

What are the common command words for Paper 1 (essay)?

Knowing the common command words that will be used in an exam paper, and what they mean, can be helpful in understanding what is expected of you in the exam. 

The table below covers some of the common command words you should expect to see in your Paper 1 exam.